Vehicle storage system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle storage system includes a base that is configured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rear seating space. A first partition is coupled to the base, and the first partition extends along a first edge of the base. A second partition is spaced from the first partition. The second partition is coupled to the base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base. A cross member is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and the second partition. The cross member extends adjacent to a headliner.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a storage system. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to a storage system for avehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles may have various areas within an interior for storing items.The various areas may include a trunk or other areas within the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehiclestorage system includes a base that is configured to be disposed onseating assemblies within a rear seating space. A first partition iscoupled to the base. The first partition extends along a first edge ofthe base. A second partition is spaced from the first partition. Thesecond partition is coupled to the base and extends along a secondopposing edge of the base. A cross member is coupled to a top edge ofeach of the first partition and the second partition. The cross memberextends adjacent to a headliner.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle storagesystem includes a base that has a first portion that is configured toextend along a surface of seating assemblies and a second portion thatis configured to extend along a floor of a cargo space. A firstpartition extends along an edge of the base. A second partition extendsparallel to the first partition and along the base between the seatingassemblies and the cargo space. A cross member is coupled to a top edgeof each of the first partition and the second partition. A firstsidewall is coupled to the second portion of the base. The firstsidewall extends along a first side edge of the base. A second sidewallis coupled to the second portion of the base. The second sidewallextends along a second side edge of the base that opposes the first sideedge.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a storage systemfor a vehicle includes a first storage assembly that is configured to bedisposed in a seating space of said vehicle. The first storage assemblyincludes a first base that has a first edge and a second opposing edge,a first partition that extends along the first edge of the first base,and a second partition that extends along the second opposing edge ofthe first base. A second storage assembly is configured to be disposedin a cargo space of said vehicle. The second storage assembly includes asecond base that has a first side edge and a second side edge opposingthe first side edge, a support wall that extends between the first sideedge and the second side edge, a dividing wall that extends from asupport wall, and a cross feature that is coupled to the dividing walland extends parallel to the support wall.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the figures in the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain featuresand certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or inschematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle, according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a storage assembly disposed in arear seating space, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective exploded view of the storage assembly ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an engagement between a partitionand a base of a storage assembly with a fastener and a wingnut,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an engagement between a partitionand a base with the partition disposed in a track defined by the base,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a storage assembly in a rearseating space and a cargo space of a vehicle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a storage assembly with end coversremoved to be inserted into a vehicle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the storage assembly of FIG. 7positioned within the vehicle, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a storage system having a firstdrawer in a deployed position and a second drawer in a stowed position,where the first drawer includes a slider in a first position, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a storage system having a firstdrawer in a deployed position and a second drawer in a stowed position,where the first drawer includes a slider in a first position, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a storage assembly with upper andlower drawers in a cargo space of a vehicle, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of a storage assembly in a cargospace with an upper drawer in a stowed position and a lower drawer in adeployed position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a storage system having a firststorage assembly in a rear seating space and a second storage assemblyin a cargo space, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of a storage system having twostorage assemblies, where one storage assembly includes a slider in afirst position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a storage system having twostorage assemblies, where one storage assembly includes a slider in asecond position, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a storage assembly having hooksand slide stops, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a storage assembly with a crossmember that engages top edges of portions of the storage assembly,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a divider engaging a base and across member of a storage assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a storage assembly with a firstinner door in an opened position and a drawer in a deployed position anda second inner door in a closed position, according to the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of a storage assembly with a firstinner door in an opened position and a drawer in a deployed position anda second inner door in a closed position, where the first inner door iscoupled to a liftgate, according to the present disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Additional features and advantages of the presently disclosed devicewill be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognizedby practicing the device as described in the following description,together with the claims and appended drawings.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-20, reference numeral 10 generally designates astorage system for vehicle 12 that includes a base 14 configured to bedisposed on seating assemblies 16 in a rear seating space 18. A firstpartition 20 is coupled to the base 14 and extends along a first edge 22of the base 14. A second partition 24 is spaced from the first partition20. The second partition 24 is coupled to the base 14 and extends alonga second opposing edge 26 of the base 14. A cross member 28 is coupledto a top edge 30, 32 of each of the first partition 20 and the secondpartition 24. The cross member 28 extends adjacent to a headliner 34.

Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 12 includes an interior compartment 40with multiple seating assemblies 16, 42 for supporting passengersthereon. The seating assemblies 42 are arranged in a front seating space44, and the seating assemblies 16 are arranged in the rear seating space18. The interior compartment 40 also includes a cargo space 46 disposedbehind the rear seating space 18 (e.g., in a vehicle-rearwarddirection). Additional or fewer seating assemblies and seating spaces orrows may be disposed within the interior compartment 40 withoutdeparting from the teachings herein.

The vehicle 12 may be a sedan, a sport utility vehicle, a van, a truck,a crossover, other wheeled motor vehicles 12, or other styles ofvehicles 12. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 12 is an autonomousvehicle 12. Autonomous vehicles 12 use a variety of sensors 48 andcomputing devices to operate the vehicle 12 with various levels ofinteraction from a human driver. The computing devices of the vehicle 12may operate the vehicle 12 in an autonomous mode, a semiautonomous mode,or a non-autonomous mode.

An autonomous mode is one in which each of a propulsion, a braking, anda steering system of the vehicle 12 is controlled by the computingdevices. In the semiautonomous mode, the computing devices control oneor two of the propulsion, the braking, and the steering systems of thevehicle 12, with a human operator controlling the other system orsystems. In the non-autonomous mode, the human operator controls thepropulsion, the braking, and the steering systems of the vehicle 12. Itis contemplated that the vehicle 12 may be a fully autonomous vehicle 12(e.g., operated without the human operator), a partially autonomousvehicle 12 (e.g., operated with or without the human operator), or amanually operated vehicle 12 (e.g., operated with the human operator)without departing from the teachings herein.

The vehicle 12 may be used for personal and/or commercial purposes, suchas, for ride providing services (e.g., chauffeuring), transporting,deliveries, ridesharing services, etc. In certain aspects, the vehicle12 may be used for transporting both people and goods. The vehicle 12may use the storage system 10 when transporting goods and may remove atleast a portion of the storage system 10 when transporting people. Theconfiguration of the seating assemblies 16, 42 and the cargo space 46allows for quick installation and removal of the storage system 10 toquickly transition between transporting people and transporting goods.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the storage system 10 includes a firststorage assembly 60 disposed within the rear seating space 18. The firststorage assembly 60 generally extends from a first side door 62 to asecond side door 64 within the rear seating space 18. Additionally, thefirst storage assembly 60 generally extends from the seating assemblies42 in the front seating space 44 to the cargo space 46. Additionally oralternatively, the first storage assembly 60 generally extends from theseating assemblies 16 to the headliner 34 of the vehicle 12. In thisway, the first storage assembly 60 substantially fills the rear seatingspace 18. The cargo space 46 in the example illustrated in FIG. 2 may beutilized for housing other aspects or components of the vehicle 12 andmay not be used for housing the first storage assembly 60. In certainaspects, the first storage assembly 60 may have a cross-car length in arange between about 1300 mm to about 1400 mm, a fore-aft width in arange between about 600 mm to about 700 mm, and a height in a rangebetween about 800 mm to about 900 mm. Other configurations of the firststorage assembly 60 are contemplated without departing from theteachings herein.

The seating assemblies 16 are illustrated in a lowered position 66. Inthe lowered position 66, a rear surface 68 of seatbacks 70 of theseating assemblies 16 are used to support the first storage assembly 60.The base 14 of the first storage assembly 60 is supported on the rearsurfaces 68 of the seatbacks 70 of the seating assemblies 16. The base14 may be coupled to various locations of the seating assemblies 16 orthe vehicle 12 to couple the first storage assembly 60 to the vehicle12. Other components of the first storage assembly 60 may be coupled tothe vehicle 12 via the base 14 and may not otherwise be directly coupledto the vehicle 12. The base 14 may first be coupled to the vehicle 12and then the additional components may be coupled to the base 14.Alternatively, the first storage assembly 60 may be assembled and theninserted into the vehicle 12 and coupled thereto.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first storage assembly 60 includesthe base 14 configured to be disposed on the seatbacks 70 of the seatingassemblies 16. The base 14 has the first edge 22, which is generally avehicle-forward edge and the second edge 26, which is generally avehicle-rearward edge. The base 14 generally has a first height at thefirst edge 22 and a second height at the second edge 26. Generally, thefirst height is less than the second height, such that the base 14increases in height in a front to a rear direction when installed in thevehicle 12. Generally, when the seatbacks 70 are in the lowered position66, the seatbacks 70 are disposed at an angle with a forward portion ata higher position than a rear portion. The base 14 with the increasingheight from the first edge 22 to the second edge 26 then provides for asubstantially level top surface 74 when the base 14 is positioned on theseatbacks 70.

Flanges 72 extend vertically above the top surface 74 of the base 14 atthe first and second edges 22, 26. The flanges 72 are generally arrangedat corners of the base 14 (e.g., four flanges 72 are included). It isalso contemplated that the base 14 includes two flanges 72, with eachflange 72 extending a substantial portion, or the entirety, of across-car length of the base 14 along the first and second edges 22, 26,respectively. The flanges 72 may be utilized as attachment points forcoupling other components of the first storage assembly 60 to the base14.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first storage assembly 60 includesthe first partition 20 and the second partition 24. The first partition20 extends along the first edge 22 adjacent to the seating assemblies42, and the second partition 24 extends along the second edge 26adjacent to the cargo space 46. Generally, the first partition 20 andthe second partition 24 are arranged in a parallel configuration onopposing sides (e.g., front and rear sides) of the base 14.

The first and second partitions 20, 24 generally extend from proximateto the seatback 70 to proximate the headliner 34. The first and secondpartitions 20, 24 each have an upper portion 80, which are eachsubstantially transparent. The transparent upper portions 80 allow adriver or one of the sensors 48 to have a generally unobstructed viewfrom the rear seating space 18 in the vehicle-rearward direction throughthe first storage assembly 60. In the illustrated example, the first andsecond partitions 20, 24 have chamfered or rounded edges on the upperportions 80 to align with a shape of the vehicle 12. Additionally oralternatively, in the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the first partition20 and the second partition 24 generally have similar shapes; however,the first partition 20 may be larger than the second partition 24depending on the configuration of the vehicle 12.

Each of the first and second partitions 20, 24 include tabs 82 extendingfrom the top edges 30, 32 thereof, respectively. In the illustratedexample, three tabs 82 extend from the top edge 30 of the firstpartition 20 and three tabs 82 extend from the top edge 32 of the secondpartition 24. The tabs 82 on the first partition 20 may be aligned withthe tabs 82 on the second partition 24 in the fore-aft direction, oralternatively may be offset from one another.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross member 28 extends betweenthe first partition 20 and the second partition 24. While the first andsecond partitions 20, 24 each extend in a cross-car direction, the crossmember 28 extends in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle 12. The crossmember 28 includes apertures 86, which align with and receive the tabs82 of the first and second partitions 20, 24 to couple the cross member28 to the first and second partitions 20, 24. The cross member 28 may beadvantageous for providing stability to the first storage assembly 60.

In the illustrated example, the cross member 28 has two end extensions88, 90 coupled via a connector 92. The end extensions 88, 90 may besubstantially similar. The cross member 28 is generally an “I” or “H”shape. The apertures 86 are defined on the end extensions 88, 90. Thecross member 28 is generally centrally located in the first storageassembly 60.

The cross member 28 generally extends adjacent to or along the headliner34. The cross member 28 is sized, shaped, and positioned to accommodatevarious cameras or image sensors that may be disposed around theinterior compartment 40 of the vehicle 12. For example, when the vehicle12 is used for deliveries of goods or other items, various image sensorsmay be utilized for identifying and monitoring the items in the firststorage assembly 60. The cross member 28 is positioned along theheadliner 34 to not substantially impede any of the fields of view ofthe image sensors.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first storage assembly 60 mayinclude a divider 100 to divide an overall storage space 102 provided bythe first storage assembly 60 into two separate storage spaces 104, 106.Generally, the divider 100 is centrally located, creating twosubstantially equal storage spaces 104, 106. However, it is contemplatedthat the divider 100 may be disposed in other locations to provideflexibility in the size of the storage spaces 104, 106. The divider 100may be selectively added to and removed from the first storage assembly60, allowing the user to utilize the single storage space 102 or thedual storage spaces 104, 106 interchangeably.

At least one of the first partition 20 and the divider 100 may includehooks 110 for hanging or holding handles of various items, such as bags.The hooks 110 on the first partition 20 may be arranged on an innersurface 112 thereof, which faces the second partition 24. The hooks 110on the divider 100 may be on either side or both sides thereof, suchthat the hooks 110 may be used with the first space 104, the secondspace 106, or combination thereof.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, a portion of the base 14 includesslide stops 120 extending above the top surface 74. The slide stops 120are generally elongated ribs arranged in a parallel configuration in thecross-car direction. The slide stops 120 may assist in retaining itemswithin the selected position and prevent sliding on the items along thetop surface 74 of the base 14. The slide stops 120 may be arrangedwithin the first space 104, within the second space 106, or across theentire storage space 102. It is contemplated that the slide stops 120may be selectively added to or removed from the first storage assembly60 as described further herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first storage assembly 60 mayinclude end covers 130, 132 coupled to side ends 134, 136 of the base14, respectively. The end covers 130, 132 extend from the first edge 22to the second edge 26 of the base 14. Generally, the first and secondpartitions 20, 24 extend vertically upward from the base 14, while theend covers 130, 132 extend vertically downward from the base 14. The endcovers 130, 132 may be advantageous for blocking an area from the base14 to a floor 138 of the vehicle 12 adjacent side doors 62, 64 toprevent items from falling into this area. The end covers 130, 132 mayabut the side doors 62, 64, respectively, when the side doors 62, 64 areclosed to assist in retaining items on the base 14 during variousvehicle maneuvers.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second partition 24 is illustrated as beingcoupled to one of the flanges 72 of the base 14. A fastener 150, such asa bolt or screw, may extend through the second partition 24 and throughthe flange 72 to engage a wingnut 152. The use of the wingnut 152 may beadvantageous for coupling the second partition 24 and the base 14without the use of additional tools. A user installing the first storageassembly 60 may manually tighten the wingnut 152 relative to thefastener 150 to couple the second partition 24 to the base 14. It iscontemplated that the first partition 20 may be coupled to the base 14in a similar manner.

Referring to FIG. 5, in additional or alternative configurations, thebase 14 may define a groove 160 along each of the first and second edges22, 26. In FIG. 5, the first partition 20 is illustrated within thegroove 160. The groove 160 may assist in positioning the first partition20 and may also provide additional stability to the engagement betweenthe first partition 20 and the base 14. The groove 160 may be anelongated slot defined by the base 14, or alternatively may be definedin an elevated portion that extends above the top surface 74 of the base14. The fastener 150 and a nut 162 may be utilized to couple the firstpartition 20 to the base 14. When the groove 160 extends above the topsurface 74, the groove 160 may define a notch 164 that received thefastener 150 for securing the first partition 20. It is contemplatedthat the second partition 24 may be coupled to the base 14 in a similarmanner.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the first storage assembly 60 may be insertedinto the interior compartment 40 via a door opening 166 for either ofthe side doors 62, 64. The first storage assembly 60 may provide asingle storage area of the vehicle 12, which is positioned within therear seating space 18. The single storage area may be utilized as theunified storage space 102 or dividing into separate spaces, such as thestorage spaces 104, 106.

Referring to FIG. 6, the storage system 10 may include a second storageassembly 170 configured to extend over the seating assemblies 16 and therear seating space 18 and a cargo floor 172 in the cargo space 46. Thebase 14 extends over the rear surface 68 of the seatbacks 70 and alongthe cargo floor 172 to proximate a liftgate 174. The base 14 may besized and shaped based on the configuration of the vehicle 12. The base14 includes a first portion 176 that extends over the seating assemblies16 and a second portion 178, which extends over the cargo floor 172. Thefirst and second portions 176, 178 may support separate sections of thesecond storage assembly 170.

The first portion 176 is arranged in the rear seating space 18, similarto the first storage assembly 60. In the second storage assembly 170,the first partition 20 extends along the first edge 22 of the base 14adjacent to the seating assemblies 42. The second partition 24 extendsalong the base 14 adjacent to the cargo space 46 between the firstportion 176 and the second portion 178. In this way, the secondpartition 24 divides the rear seating space 18 from the cargo space 46.Generally, the first partition 20 is larger than the second partition24, though each of the first and second partitions 20, 24 may be asimilar shape. Similar to the first storage assembly 60, the first andsecond partitions 20, 24 extend parallel to one another. Additionally,the first and second partitions 20, 24 extend from proximate theseatbacks 70 to adjacent the headliner 34. Each of the first and secondpartitions 20, 24 generally have the transparent upper portions 80.

Sidewalls 180, 182 extend from opposing ends of the second partition 24.The sidewalls 180, 182 extend in the vehicle-rearward direction over thesecond portion 178 of the base 14. Generally, the first sidewall 180extends along a first side edge 184 of the second portion 178 of thebase 14, and the second sidewall 182 extends along an opposing secondside edge 186 of the second portion 178 of the base 14. The sidewalls180, 182 generally extend parallel to one another along a vehicle body188 of the vehicle 12.

Referring still to FIG. 6, a dividing wall 190 may be disposed betweenthe sidewalls 180, 182. The dividing wall 190 extends generally parallelto the sidewalls 180, 182. In the illustrated example, the dividing wall190 extends in the vehicle-rearward direction from a central portion ofthe second partition 24 creating substantially equal storage spaces 192,194 within the second storage assembly 170 proximate to the liftgate174. The dividing wall 190 may be selectively added to and removed fromthe second storage assembly 170. When the dividing wall 190 is notincluded in the second storage assembly 170, a single storage space 196may be disposed proximate to the liftgate 174. In this way, the secondstorage assembly 170 may include between two storage spaces 102, 196 andfour storage spaces 104, 106, 192, 196 depending on the configuration ofthe second storage assembly 170. This may be advantageous for providingflexibility for storing items within the vehicle 12.

Side panels 200, 202 may be coupled to the first partition 20. The sidepanels 200, 202 may extend in the vehicle-forward direction from eachend of the first partition 20 when the second storage assembly 170 isinstalled within the vehicle 12. The side panels 200, 202 may assist infilling the door openings 166 when the side doors 62, 64 are open. Theuser may access the storage space 102 defined by the storage assembly170 and may not reach around the storage assembly 170 between the firstpartition 20 and the seating assemblies 42.

The storage assembly 170 also includes the end covers 130, 132 extendingdownward from the base 14. The end covers 130, 132 extend from the firstedge 22 of the base 14 to proximate the second partition 24. The endcovers 130, 132 also assist in filling the door opening 166. When theside doors 62, 64 are closed, the end covers 132, 134 may abut the sidedoors 62, 64, which may be advantageous for preventing items from movingbetween the seating assemblies 16 and the respective side door 62, 64during vehicle maneuvers.

Referring still to FIG. 6, a cross feature 208 may extend between thetwo sidewalls 180, 182. The cross feature 208 generally extends betweentop edges of the sidewalls 180, 182, maximizing access to the storagespaces 192, 194. The cross feature 208 may also be coupled with thedividing wall 190. The second storage assembly 170 may include innerdoors 210, 212 for selectively accessing the storage spaces 192, 194,respectively. The inner doors 210, 212 may be coupled with a crossfeature 208 or elsewhere on the second storage assembly 170.

The cross member 28 is generally utilized to provide additional supportand stability to the second storage assembly 170. The first partition20, the second partition 24, and the dividing wall 190 may include thetabs 82 extending from the top edges 30, 32, 214 thereof, respectively.The cross member 28 defines the apertures 86 that align with the tabs82. The tabs 82 may extend through the apertures 86 of the cross member28 to provide support for the second storage assembly 170. In theillustrated example, the first partition 20 includes three tabs 82, thesecond partition 24 includes two tabs 82 and the dividing wall 190includes one tab 82. The tab 82 on the dividing wall 190 is offset fromand may extend normal to the tabs 82 on the second partition 24.

The cross member 28 may have a substantially “H” or “I” shape. In theconfiguration of the cross member 28 utilized with the second storageassembly 170, the end extensions 88, 90 may have differentconfigurations. The rear end extension 90 may be wider to engage thetabs 82 on the second partition 24 and the dividing wall 190.

Referring still to FIG. 6, as well as FIGS. 7 and 8, the second storageassembly 170 may be substantially assembled prior to being inserted intothe interior compartment 40. The first partition 20 is configured tobend along a centerline, bringing the side panels 200, 202 adjacent tothe second partition 24. The base 14 with the folded first partition 20may be inserted through a liftgate opening 220. Once the base 14 is inposition with the first edge 22 disposed adjacent to the seatingassemblies 42, the first partition 20 is configured to unfold. The firstpartition 20 may unfold automatically, or alternatively the user maymanually unfold the first partition 20. The user may then secure thecross member 28 to the tabs 82 of the first partition 20. The end covers130, 132 may then be coupled to the base 14 through the door openings166. Once installed, the inner doors 210, 212 are disposed proximate tothe liftgate opening 220.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in additional or alternativeconfigurations, the second storage assembly 170 may not include thesecond partition 24 and/or the dividing wall 190. Additionally, thesecond storage assembly 170 may or may not include the sidewalls 180,182. This configuration provides for a single unified storage space 228,which includes the rear seating space 18 and the cargo space 46. The topsurface 74 of the base 14 is generally a continuous planar surface,which is available for supporting larger structures that may extendthrough both the rear seating space 18 and the cargo space 46.

For example, drawers 230, 232 may be utilized with the second storageassembly 170. The drawers 230, 232 may be arranged in a side-by-sideconfiguration. The drawers 230, 232 may be selectively added to orremoved from the second storage assembly 170 based on the arrangementselected by the user. In the illustrated example, the drawers 230, 232are operable between a stowed position 234, disposed entirely within thevehicle 12, and a deployed position 236, extending out of the vehicle 12generally through the liftgate opening 220. When in the deployedposition 236, the drawers 230, 232 may generally extend out of thevehicle 12 in a range between about 25 inches and about 35 inches. Asillustrated, the drawers 230, 232 are configured to adjust in thefore-aft direction of the vehicle 12. Accordingly, the drawers 230, 232generally extend over the first and second portions 176, 178 of the base14 when in the stowed position 234 and extend over the second portion178 when in the deployed position 236.

The drawers 230, 232 may include adjustment assemblies 238 for adjustingthe drawers 230, 232 between the stowed and deployed positions 234, 236.The drawers 230, 232, including the adjustment assemblies 238, may beself-contained modules or assemblies disposed on the base 14.Accordingly, when the drawers 230, 232 are removed from the secondstorage assembly 170, the top surface 74 of the base 14 remains asubstantially flat surface. It is contemplated that the adjustmentassemblies 238 may be rail assemblies, motorized rail assemblies, gearassemblies, rack-and-pinion gear assemblies, etc.

The drawers 230, 232 may be used in combination with sliders 240 thatare operable between a first position 242 and a second position 244.When in the first position 242, the slider 240 is positioned in avehicle-forward portion of the drawer 230, which is further away fromwhere the user may be positioned when removing the items from thevehicle 12. The user may slide the slider 240 along the drawer 230 inthe vehicle-rearward direction to have increased access to the itemsthat are on the slider 240. The sliders 240 may be used on either orboth of the drawers 230, 232.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in additional or alternativeconfigurations, the second storage assembly 170 may include the twosidewalls 180, 182 and the second partition 24, but may not include thedividing wall 190. This configuration allows the single storage space196 to be utilized. The drawers 230, 232 may be utilized with the singlestorage space 102. The drawers 230, 232 may be each coupled to both ofthe sidewalls 180, 182. The drawers 230, 232 may then be arranged asupper and lower drawers that are independently adjustable between thestowed position 234 and the deployed position 236. The drawers 230, 232may be self-contained assemblies, such that when the drawers 230, 232are removed from the storage assembly 170, the sidewalls 180, 182 havegenerally flat surfaces.

It is contemplated that at least one of the drawers 230, 232 and thesliders 240 may be manually actuated, automatically actuated, or acombination thereof (e.g., a hybrid configuration). In manualconfigurations, the user may apply pushing and pulling forces to adjustthe drawers 230, 232 or the sliders 240. In automatic configurations,motorized assemblies (e.g., rail assemblies, gear assemblies, etc.) maybe utilized for adjusting the drawers 230, 232 or the sliders 240. Thedrawers 230, 232 may be triggered to adjust to the deployed position 236upon opening of the liftgate 174 or a user input on a user interface. Inthe hybrid configuration, the drawers 230, 232 may be manually adjustedto the deployed position 236 and then automatically adjusted to thestowed position 234. This configuration may be advantageous for reducinginterference between the drawers 230, 232 and the liftgate 174 if theuser does not manually close the drawers 230, 232. The sliders 240 maybe adjusted to the second position 244 upon removing items blocking theslider 240 (e.g., items on the vehicle-rearward portion of the drawer230, 232) or upon a user input from the user interface.

The second storage assembly 170 may be coupled to various locationswithin the vehicle 12. Generally, the base 14 is directly coupled to thevehicle 12, while other components of the second storage assembly 170may not be directly coupled to the vehicle 12. In this way, theengagement points may be between the base 14 and the vehicle 12.

Referring to FIGS. 6-12, the second storage assembly 170 may provide twoseparate storage areas that may be selectively and independentlyaccessed by the user. The first storage assembly 60 may be in the rearseating space 18 and can be accessed through the door openings 166. Thesecond storage assembly 170 may be disposed within the cargo space 46 ofthe vehicle 12 and may be accessed via the liftgate opening 220. Theconfiguration of the second storage assembly 170 provides flexibility instoring items in the vehicle 12 and granting access to the variousstorage spaces 102, 196 of the second storage assembly 170.

Referring to FIG. 13, the storage system 10 may include two separatestorage assemblies 60, 250. The first and third storage assemblies 60,250 may provide similar storage areas as the combined second storageassembly 170. In the illustrated configuration of FIG. 13, the firststorage assembly 60 is disposed on a seat base 252 with each of theseating assemblies 16 in the rear seating space 18. The seatingassemblies 16 are in a raised position 254. In such configurations, theseatbacks 70 may be disposed between the first storage assembly 60 andthe third storage assembly 250. The first storage assembly 60 issubstantially similar as described with respect to FIGS. 2-5, with thebase 14 disposed on the seat bases 252 and the second partition 24disposed adjacent to the seatbacks 70.

The third storage assembly 250 generally includes a base 256 and asupport wall 258 extending from a vehicle-forward edge of the base 256.The base 256 extends over the cargo floor 172 of the cargo space 46. Thesupport wall 258 extends in the cross-car direction and is spaced on anopposing side of the seatbacks 70 of the seating assemblies 16 relativeto the second partition 24. The support wall 258 is disposed adjacent tothe seatbacks 70 and extends generally parallel to the second partition24. The dividing wall 190 extends from a central location of the supportwall 258 to form the two storage spaces 192, 194 adjacent to theliftgate 174. It is contemplated that the dividing wall 190 may not beincluded, providing for the single storage space 196 proximate to theliftgate 174. The third storage assembly 250 may not include thesidewalls 180, 182, or alternatively may include the sidewalls 180, 182without departing the teachings herein.

The cross feature 208 is coupled to the dividing wall 190 and/or thesidewalls 180, 182 and extends generally parallel to the support wall258. The third storage assembly 250 may include one or two inner doors210, 212 coupled to the cross feature 208. The inner doors 210, 212 maybe advantageous for selectively allowing access to the storage spaces192, 194.

Referring still to FIG. 13, the storage system 10 may include one orboth of the first storage assembly 60 and the third storage assembly 250at any given time based on the selected configuration of the user. Thefirst storage assembly 60 provides for storage areas within the rearseating space 18 and the third storage assembly 250 provides for storageareas within the cargo space 46. The first storage assembly 60 may beinserted into the vehicle 12 through the door openings 166 and the thirdstorage assembly 250 may be inserted through the liftgate opening 220.The first and third storage assemblies 60, 250 may provide for flexibleimplementations of various storage areas within the vehicle 12.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, either of the first storage assembly 60and the third storage assembly 250 may also utilize the sliders 240. Inthe illustrated configuration, the slider 240 is positioned in the firststorage assembly 60. When making deliveries, the vehicle 12 may oftenpark proximate to a curb or on the right side of the road with apassenger side more accessible to the user. A driver-side of the vehicle12 may be disposed proximate to moving traffic. The user may want toaccess the first storage assembly 60 from the passenger side of thevehicle 12.

Therefore, the portion of the base 14 on the driver-side of the vehicle12 may be more difficult to reach from the door opening 166 on thepassenger side. The items originally placed on the driver-side of thefirst storage assembly 60 may be positioned on the slider 240. Onceitems on the passenger side are removed from the first storage assembly60, the user may pull or actuate the sliders 240 to move the sliders 240across the top surface 74 of the base 14 to the second position 244 onthe passenger side of the first storage assembly 60. The sliders 240 mayalso be utilized within the third storage assembly 250 to adjust itemson the slider 240 in the cross-car and/or fore-aft directions.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the third storage assembly 250 may provide twoseparate storage areas that may be selectively and independentlyaccessed by the user. The first storage area may be provided by thefirst storage assembly 60 in the rear seating space 18 and can beaccessed through the door openings 166. The second storage area may beprovided by the third storage assembly 250 and may be disposed withinthe cargo space 46 of the vehicle 12 to be accessed via the liftgateopening 220. The configuration of the first and third storage assemblies60, 250 provide flexibility in storing items in the vehicle 12 andgranting access to the various storage spaces 102, 196.

Referring to FIG. 16, the first storage assembly 60 is illustrated withadditional retention features, such as the hooks 110 and the slide stops120, for retaining items in selected positions. The inner surface 112 ofthe first partition 20 may include the hooks 110 for hanging or securingitems, such as handles of bags. Each of the hooks 110 may be added to orremoved from the storage system 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG.16, the hooks 110 have been removed from the divider 100 and replacedwith hook caps 266. The hook caps 266 may replace the hooks 110 tocreate a substantially flat surface.

Additionally, the base 14 may include the slide stops 120, which extendin the cross-car direction to assist in retaining the items in theposition during vehicle maneuvers. Each of the slide stops 120 may beadded to or removed from the storage system 10. The slide stops 120 maybe removed from the base 14 and replaced with a slide stop cap 268,which provides a substantially flat top surface 74 of the base 14. Theremoval of the slide stops 120 may provide greater flexibility forvarying item sizes and positions. These additional retention features(e.g., the hooks 110 and the slide stops 120) may also be utilized ineither or both of the storage spaces 102, 196 of the second storageassembly 170, and/or in the third storage assembly 250.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, with the first storage assembly 60, thecross member 28 may have an additional or alternative configuration. Thecross member 28 may define notches 280 for receiving the top edges 30,32 of the first and second partitions 20, 24. The cross member 28illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 extends vertically, slightly into thestorage space 102 defined between the first and second partitions 20,24. The divider 100 may abut the cross member 28 and may be coupledthereto via the fastener 150 and the nut 162.

The divider 100 is also generally coupled to the base 14. The divider100 may include coupling extensions 282 that are received in slots 284defined by the base 14. The coupling extensions 282 may be positionedwithin the slots 284 retaining the divider 100 in the selected position.An opposing side of the divider 100 may then be fastened to the crossmember 28. Accordingly, the divider 100 may be engaged in two locationsto the first storage assembly 60, which may be advantageous forretaining the divider 100 in the selected position as items are shiftedagainst the divider 100 during vehicle maneuvers. Further, the divider100 may be installed and removed without the use of tools.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the third storage assembly 250 isillustrated with the drawers 230, 232 arranged in a side-by-sideconfiguration. In the illustrated configuration of FIG. 19, the thirdstorage assembly 250 may include the dividing wall 190, but not thecross feature 208. The inner doors 210, 212 may be coupled to thesupport wall 258, the respective sidewalls 180, 182, and the dividingwall 190 to selectively enclose the storage spaces 192, 194. Thesidewalls 180, 182 and the dividing wall 190 may each include tracks 286that engage opposing sides of the inner doors 210, 212, respectively.The inner doors 210, 212 may travel along the tracks 286 from a closedposition 288, preventing access to the respective storage spaces 192,194, to an opened position 290, abutting a rear surface 292 of thesupport wall 258 and providing access to the respective storage spaces192, 194. The inner doors 210, 212 may then travel along the tracks 286in an opposing direction to return to the closed position 288. Otherconfigurations of the inner doors 210, 212 may be utilized withoutdeparting from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIG. 20, in an additional or alternativeconfiguration, the inner doors 210, 212 may be coupled to the liftgate174. Accordingly, as liftgate 174 opens, the inner doors 210, 212 may beadjusted to the opened position 290, and as the liftgate 174 closes, theinner doors 210, 212 may be adjusted to the closed position 288. Theinner doors 210, 212 may be selectively coupled to the liftgate 174,thereby allowing selective access to the storage spaces 192, 194. Theinner doors 210, 212 may automatically couple with the liftgate 174 viabiasing forces, for example with magnets, or a locking mechanism. One ofthe inner doors 212 may be opened to access the storage space 194 whilethe other of the inner doors 210 remain in the closed position 288. Thedrawers 230, 232 and the inner doors 210, 212 described with respect toFIGS. 19 and 20 may also be included on the second storage assembly 170.Moreover, for each of the second and third storage assemblies 170, 250,a single inner door may be utilized rather than the two inner doors 210,212 without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the innerdoors 210, 212 may be retracted into a coiled or folded position whenclosed and extending when opened (see FIG. 13), rotated in variousdirection relative to the vehicle 12, etc.

Additionally, the storage system 10 may include light sources 300disposed in various locations on the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250. Atleast one light source 300 may be disposed in each storage space 104,106, 192, 194. The light source 300 for the selected storage space 104,106, 192, 194 may be activated to provide greater visibility into thestorage assemblies 60, 170, 250 of the storage system 10. When multiplestorage spaces 104, 106, 192, 194 are accessed together or when thedivider 100 and/or the dividing wall 190 are not utilized, multiplelight sources 300 may be activated simultaneously. Additionally oralternatively, when the items are initially being positioned in thevehicle 12 prior to deliveries, each of the light sources 300 may beactivated to provide greater visibility when loading the items.

In various examples, the light sources 300 may emit visible light thathas a wavelength in a range from about 380 nm to about 740 nm, or a mixof wavelengths in this range. The light source 300 may include any formof light source, for example, fluorescent lighting, light-emittingdiodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), laser diodes,quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), solid-state lighting, a hybrid, and/or anyother similar device. Any other form of lighting may be utilized withinthe vehicle 12 without departing from the teachings herein. Further,various types of LEDs are suitable for use as the light source 300,including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs, side-emitting LEDs,and others. According to various examples, multicolored light sources,such as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blueLED packaging may be used to generate various desired colors of lightoutput from a single light source, according to known light color mixingtechniques. Moreover, the light sources 300 may be configured as asingle light source, or alternatively, as more than one light sourcethat can be selectively and independently controlled. Moreover, thelight sources 300 may emit any wavelength of light for illuminating theinterior compartment 40 of the vehicle 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1-20, the storage system 10 provides for increasedflexibility for configuring the interior compartment 40 of the vehicle12. The first, second, and third storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may beselectively and interchangeably utilized within the vehicle 12. This mayallow the vehicle 12 to be conveniently adjusted between transportingpeople and transporting goods. Each of the storage assemblies 60, 170,250 may be conveniently installed and removed from the vehicle 12.

The storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may have several engagement pointsbetween the bases 14, 256 and the vehicle 12, respectively. For example,the base 14 of the first and second storage assemblies 60, 170 may becoupled to a vehicle-forward portion of the seat base 252 of the seatingassemblies 16, a vehicle-rearward portion of the seat base 252 of theseating assemblies 16, the seat base 252 of the seating assemblies 16,tether points of the seating assemblies 16, latches of the seatingassemblies 16, or elsewhere in the vehicle 12. The bases 14, 256 of thesecond and third storage assemblies 170, 250 may be coupled in cornersof the cargo space 46 or elsewhere in the vehicle 12. In certainaspects, straps may be utilized to couple the storage assemblies 60,170, 250 to various vehicle structures. In such examples, the straps maybe looped through the vehicle structures, which may be, for example,seatback tether points or a bottom of a seat frame. It is alsocontemplated that any of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may becoupled to other components of the vehicle 12, directly or indirectly,without departing from the teachings herein.

Each of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may also include a retainingextension 302 extending from an underside of the base 14 adjacent to thefirst edge 22. For the first and second storage assemblies 60, 170, theretaining extension 302 may extend vertically downward to engage theseatback 70 of the seating assemblies 16 when in the lowered position 66or the seat base 252 of the seating assemblies 16 when in the raisedposition 254. For the third storage assembly 250, the retainingextension 302 may extend into a space or groove 304 defined between theseating assemblies 16 and the cargo space 46. The retaining extension302 may reduce or limit movement of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250in the fore-aft direction.

The storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may be constructed of lightweight,yet rigid materials which allows the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 tosupport various items and the user to easily interchange the storageassemblies 60, 170, 250. In various examples, the storage assemblies 60,170, 250 may be constructed of panels having a honeycomb or corrugatedcore. In additional or alternative examples, the storage assemblies 60,170, 250 may be constructed of structurally insulated panels having afoam core disposed between outer layers.

The storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may also provide increasedflexibility based on the various additional features that can be addedto or removed for the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250. For example, thedivider 100 may be utilized in the first storage assembly 60 and thesecond storage assembly 170 to divide the storage area within the rearseating space 18. Additionally, in both the second storage assembly 170and the third storage assembly 250, a storage area within the cargospace 46 may be a single space 196 or divided into separate storagespaces 192, 194. Further, the drawers 230, 232 may be utilized in eachof the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250. The drawers 230, 232 may bearranged in side-by-side configurations or vertically stackedconfigurations. The drawers 230, 232 may extend a portion of the storagespace 102, 196, for example, when used with the divider 100 or thedividing wall 190, or may extend along an entirety of the storage space102, 196. The drawers 230, 232 may also be disposed in the rear seatingspace 18, the cargo space 46, or a combination thereof. Further, each ofthe storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may utilize the sliders 240 formoving items closer to the user and shortening a reach of the user tograsp the items. Moreover, each of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250may utilize one or both of the hooks 110 and the slide stops 120. Also,each of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may utilize multiple lightsources 300 for illuminating the various storage spaces 104, 106, 192,194, respectively.

In various examples, aspects of the storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 maybe automatically adjusted in tandem. For example, when the inner doors210, 212 are moving to the opened position 290, the drawers 230, 232 maymove to the deployed position 236. Each of the configurations of thedrawers 230, 232 may include a soft-close feature. For example, when thedrawers 230, 232 are manually actuated, the drawers 230, 232 may have adampening feature for providing a soft close effect of the drawers 230,232. In automatic configurations of the drawers 230, 232, the adjustmentassembly 238 may travel at a first speed until approaching the stowedposition 234 and then may proceed at a slower speed providing a softclose effect.

It is contemplated that the storage system 10 may be utilized withadditional automatic features, such as automatic side doors 62, 64 andan automatic liftgate 174. For example, when the vehicle 12 approachesthe user, the side doors 62, 64 or the liftgate 174 may openautomatically to provide access to the selected storage space 102, 196.With the automatic opening of the doors 62, 64, the inner doors 210, 212and/or the drawers 230, 232 may be automatically adjusted. Further, thelight sources 300 may also be activated to provide the illumination forthe selected storage space 102, 196.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. Forexample, multiple storage assemblies 60, 170, 250 may be quickly andconveniently installed and removed from the vehicle 12. Further, thestorage system 10 may be modular such that various features may beinterchanged by the user. Additionally, the storage system 10 mayprovide between one and four storage spaces depending on theconfiguration of the storage system 10. Also, the storage system 10 mayuse drawers 230, 232 and/or sliders 240 to provide easier access to theitems in the vehicle 12. Moreover, the storage system 10 may beinstalled without the use of any tools, which may provide quicker andmore convenient installation. Further, the storage system 10 allows easytransition between transporting people in the vehicle 12 andtransporting goods in the vehicle 12. Each of the storage assemblies 60,170, 250 may be lightweight and convenient to install. Further, thestorage assemblies 60, 170, 250 maximize the storage area within thevehicle 12. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/orachieved.

According to various examples, a vehicle storage system includes a basethat is configured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rearseating space. A first partition is coupled to the base, and the firstpartition extends along a first edge of the base. A second partition isspaced from the first partition, and the second partition is coupled tothe base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base. A crossmember is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and thesecond partition, and the cross member extends adjacent to a headliner.Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a combinationof the following features:

-   -   the first edge is a vehicle-forward edge and the second opposing        edge is a vehicle-rearward edge;    -   the first partition and the second partition each extend from        proximate to the base to proximate to the headliner;    -   the base has a first height at the vehicle-forward edge and a        second height at the vehicle-rearward edge;    -   the first height is less than the second height;    -   a divider is selectively coupled to the base and extends above a        top surface of the base for retaining items that are positioned        on the base within a selected position;    -   hooks are coupled to an inner surface of the first partition;    -   the base is configured to be disposed on a rear surface of the        seating assemblies and a floor of a cargo space;    -   an end cover is coupled to each side end of the base;    -   each end cover extends from the base in an opposing direction        relative to the first partition and the second partition;    -   a slider slidably engages a top surface of the base; and/or    -   the slider may be adjusted from one side of the base to an        opposing side of the base for accessing items on the slider.

According to various examples, a vehicle storage system includes a basethat has a first portion that is configured to extend along a surface ofseating assemblies and a second portion that is configured to extendalong a floor of a cargo space. A first partition extends along an edgeof the base. A second partition extends parallel to the first partitionand along the base between the seating assemblies and the cargo space. Across member is coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition andthe second partition. A first sidewall is coupled to the second portionof the base, and the first sidewall extends along a first side edge ofthe base. A second sidewall is coupled to the second portion of thebase, and the second sidewall extends along a second side edge of thebase that opposes the first side edge. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   a divider extends between the first partition and the second        partition;    -   the divider is selectively coupled to the cross member;    -   a first drawer is disposed adjacent to at least the first        sidewall;    -   a second drawer is disposed adjacent to at least the second        sidewall;    -   the first drawer and the second drawer are selectively        adjustable between a deployed position and a stowed position;    -   the first drawer and the second drawer are arranged in a        side-by-side configuration;    -   the first drawer is an upper drawer and the second drawer is a        lower drawer that is disposed below the upper drawer;    -   a cross feature is coupled to and extends between the first        sidewall and the second sidewall; and/or    -   an inner door is coupled to the cross feature and is configured        to selectively provide access to at least a portion of a space        over the second portion of the base.

According to various examples, a storage system for a vehicle includes afirst storage assembly that is configured to be disposed in a seatingspace of said vehicle. The first storage assembly includes a first basethat has a first edge and a second opposing edge, a first partition thatextends along the first edge of the first base, and a second partitionthat extends along the second opposing edge of the first base. A secondstorage assembly is configured to be disposed in a cargo space of saidvehicle. The second storage assembly includes a second base that has afirst side edge and a second side edge opposing the first side edge, asupport wall that extends between the first side edge and the secondside edge, a dividing wall that extends from a support wall, and a crossfeature that is coupled to the dividing wall and extends parallel to thesupport wall. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or acombination of the following features:

-   -   an inner door is coupled to the cross feature;    -   the inner door is operable between an opened position and a        closed position to selectively allow access to at least a        portion of the second storage assembly;    -   the inner door is coupled to a liftgate of said vehicle;    -   the inner door is configured to be adjusted to the opened        position as the liftgate opens;    -   the second storage assembly includes a first drawer that is        coupled to the second base on a first side of the dividing wall        and a second drawer that is coupled to the second base on a        second side of the dividing wall; and/or    -   the first storage assembly includes slide stops that are        selectively coupled to a top surface of the first base.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary examples isillustrative only. Although only a few examples of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system might beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary examples without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure, which is defined by the following claims, as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine ofequivalents.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent disclosure, and further it is to be understood that suchconcepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle storage system, comprising: a baseconfigured to be disposed on seating assemblies within a rear seatingspace; a first partition coupled to the base, wherein the firstpartition extends along a first edge of the base; a second partitionspaced from the first partition, wherein the second partition is coupledto the base and extends along a second opposing edge of the base; and across member coupled to a top edge of each of the first partition andthe second partition, wherein the cross member extends adjacent to aheadliner.
 2. The vehicle storage system of claim 1, wherein the firstedge is a vehicle-forward edge and the second opposing edge is avehicle-rearward edge, and wherein the first partition and the secondpartition each extend from proximate to the base to proximate to theheadliner.
 3. The vehicle storage system of claim 2, wherein the basehas a first height at the vehicle-forward edge and a second height atthe vehicle-rearward edge, wherein the first height is less than thesecond height.
 4. The vehicle storage system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a divider selectively coupled to each of the cross memberand the base, wherein the divider extends between the first partitionand the second partition.
 5. The vehicle storage system of claim 1,further comprising: a slide stop coupled to the base and extending abovea top surface of the base for retaining items positioned on the basewithin a selected position.
 6. The vehicle storage system of claim 1,further comprising: hooks coupled to an inner surface of the firstpartition.
 7. The vehicle storage system of claim 1, wherein the base isconfigured to be disposed on a rear surface of the seating assembliesand a floor of a cargo space.
 8. The vehicle storage system of claim 1,further comprising: an end cover coupled to each side end of the base,wherein each end cover extends from the base in an opposing directionrelative to the first partition and the second partition.
 9. The vehiclestorage system of claim 1, further comprising: a slider that slidablyengages a top surface of the base, wherein the slider may be adjustedfrom one side of the base to an opposing side of the base for accessingitems on the slider.
 10. A vehicle storage system, comprising: a basehaving a first portion configured to extend along a surface of seatingassemblies and a second portion configured to extend along a floor of acargo space; a first partition extending along an edge of the base; asecond partition extending parallel to the first partition and along thebase between the seating assemblies and the cargo space; a cross membercoupled to a top edge of each of the first partition and the secondpartition; a first sidewall coupled to the second portion of the base,wherein the first sidewall extends along a first side edge of the base;and a second sidewall coupled to the second portion of the base, whereinthe second sidewall extends along a second side edge of the base thatopposes the first side edge.
 11. The vehicle storage system of claim 10,further comprising: a divider extending between the first partition andthe second partition, wherein the divider is selectively coupled to thecross member.
 12. The vehicle storage system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a first drawer disposed adjacent to at least the firstsidewall; and a second drawer disposed adjacent to at least the secondsidewall, wherein the first drawer and the second drawer are selectivelyadjustable between a deployed position and a stowed position.
 13. Thevehicle storage system of claim 12, wherein the first drawer and thesecond drawer are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.
 14. Thevehicle storage system of claim 12, wherein the first drawer is an upperdrawer and the second drawer is a lower drawer disposed below the upperdrawer.
 15. The vehicle storage system of claim 10, further comprising:a cross feature coupled to and extending between the first sidewall andthe second sidewall; and an inner door coupled to the cross feature andconfigured to selectively provide access to at least a portion of aspace over the second portion of the base.
 16. A storage system for avehicle, comprising: a first storage assembly configured to be disposedin a seating space of said vehicle, wherein the first storage assemblyincludes: a first base having a first edge and a second opposing edge; afirst partition extending along the first edge of the first base; and asecond partition extending along the second opposing edge of the firstbase; and a second storage assembly configured to be disposed in a cargospace of said vehicle, wherein the second storage assembly includes: asecond base having a first side edge and a second side edge opposing thefirst side edge; a support wall extending between the first side edgeand the second side edge; a dividing wall extending from the supportwall; and a cross feature coupled to the dividing wall and extendingparallel to the support wall.
 17. The storage system of claim 16,further comprising: an inner door coupled to the cross feature, whereinthe inner door is operable between an opened position and a closedposition to selectively allow access to at least a portion of the secondstorage assembly.
 18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the innerdoor is coupled to a liftgate of said vehicle, and wherein the innerdoor is configured to be adjusted to the opened position as the liftgateopens.
 19. The storage system of claim 16, wherein the second storageassembly includes a first drawer coupled to the second base on a firstside of the dividing wall and a second drawer coupled to the second baseon a second side of the dividing wall.
 20. The storage system of claim16, wherein the first storage assembly includes slide stops selectivelycoupled to a top surface of the first base.